Making a claim for a motorbike accident caused by the road surface
Road surfaces can become dangerous for motorcyclists when four-wheeled vehicles, usually cars and HGVs, push loose gravel into piles. When these piles of debris build up it can cause motorbike riders to lose control of their machine.
Many motorcyclists assume they would not have a right to make a claim for compensation for an accident caused by the condition of the road surface. However, that is not necessarily the case.
If loose chippings or gravel are left on a road surface and a motorcyclist has an accident as a result, then they may have a claim against the local authority responsible for maintaining the highway.
There is a requirement for local authorities to carry out regular inspections of the roads under their control and to take action if they identify anything that is, or is likely to become, a danger to road users.
Local authorities must also display warning signs to inform road users of any dangers that are present.
If for any reason a local authority fails to carry out an inspection or fails to take action to remove a hazard or notify road users of the danger, then a motorcyclist who is injured as a result could well have a claim.
A RoSPA Road Safety Research study has recognised the problem, indicating that a motorbike accident caused by the road surface could be due to loose gravel or a slippery surface that results in riders losing control. It also highlighted the lack of stability of two-wheeled motor vehicles, which makes them more vulnerable than four-wheeled vehicles on poor road surfaces.
Other road surface hazards identified by the RoSPA study include mud, oil, snow and ice. Again, local authorities or other road users may be at fault if these substances are left on the road and cause an accident.
If you wish to make a claim for a motorbike accident caused by the road surface then call our free legal helpline on 0333 888 0408 or email details of your case to us at info@sbclaims.co.uk
